Evaporator with liquid phase distribution

Abstract

An evaporator includes a heat exchanger configured to subcool received working fluid and a distribution device configured to provide the working fluid to one or more expanders provided within the shell of the evaporator, with the expanders configured to expand the working fluid and provide said working fluid into bundles of heat exchange tubes provided within the shell of the expander.

Description

EVAPORATOR WITH LIQUID PHASE DISTRIBUTIONField

[0001] This disclosure is directed to evaporators and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems including evaporators having distribution structures for expanding working fluid and releasing into bundles within the evaporator.Background

[0002] Working fluid in an HVACR system is typically delivered into a flooded evaporator as a two phase saturated flow. Because the flow is two-phase, its average density is significantly less than that of an all liquid flow. Thus, for equal mass flow rates, the cross-section areas of piping or ducts of a distribution system to transport the working fluid to the necessary locations must be much greater than when working with a single-phase liquid flow. Further, optimal duct areas change substantially with varying vapor mass flow rates and densities.Summary

[0003] This disclosure is directed to evaporators and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems including evaporators having distribution structures for expanding working fluid and releasing into bundles within the evaporator.

[0004] By subcooling the working fluid prior to its expansion, consistent geometry can be used to introduce working fluid across a variety of operating conditions such as various mass flow rates and / or densities for the working fluid. The consistent geometry can allow the working fluid to be introduced into the shell of the evaporator in proximity to the bundles of tubes passing therethrough.

[0005] In embodiments, pumps and / or additional expanders can further be included to regulate and / or adjust pressure within the system to further optimize the flow of working fluid into the evaporator.

[0006] In an embodiment, a heat exchanger for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a shell defining an internal space, one or more subcooling heat exchangers configured to receive a working fluid from an inlet, and a distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooling heatexchangers. The distributor includes one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and to release the expanded working fluid into the internal space. The heat exchanger further includes a bundle of tubes extending though the internal space, the one or more tubes each configured to convey a process fluid.

[0007] In an embodiment, the distributor includes a distribution duct, the one or more expanders disposed on surfaces of the distribution duct.

[0008] In an embodiment, the distributor includes distribution tubes, wherein at least some of the distribution tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

[0009] In an embodiment, the distributor includes a plurality of distribution tubes each extending vertically into the bundle.

[0010] In an embodiment, the distributor includes a first distribution duct on a first side of the bundle and a second distribution duct on a second side of the bundle, opposite the first.

[0011] In an embodiment, the distributor extends axially within the internal space and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the bundle.

[0012] In an embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger includes a shell defining an internal space, one or more subcooling heat exchangers configured to receive a working fluid from an inlet, and a distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooling heat exchangers. The distributor includes one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and to release the expanded working fluid into the internal space. The heat exchanger further includes a bundle of tubes extending though the internal space, the one or more tubes each configured to convey a process fluid.

[0013] In an embodiment, the distributor includes a distribution duct, the one or more expanders disposed on surfaces of the distribution duct.

[0014] In an embodiment, the distributor includes distribution tubes, wherein at least some of the distribution tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

[0015] In an embodiment, the distributor includes a plurality of distribution tubes each extending vertically into the bundle.

[0016] In an embodiment, the distributor includes a first distribution duct on a first side of the bundle and a second distribution duct on a second side of the bundle, opposite the first.

[0017] In an embodiment, the distributor extends axially within the internal space and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the bundle.

[0018] In an embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a pump.

[0019] In an embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a secondary expander, the secondary expander disposed between the condenser and the one or more expanders.Drawings

[0020] Figure 1A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure IB shows a sectional perspective view of the evaporator of Figure 1 A.

[0022] Figure 2A shows sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2B shows a side view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 2A.

[0024] Figure 3A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3B shows side view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 3 A.

[0026] Figure 3C shows a perspective view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 3A.

[0027] Figure 4A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4B shows a side view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 4A.

[0029] Figure 4C shows a perspective view of the evaporator of Figure 4A.

[0030] Figure 5A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5B shows a perspective view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 5 A.

[0032] Figure 6A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6B shows a perspective view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 6A.

[0034] Figure 6C shows a sectional perspective view of the evaporator of Figure 6A.

[0035] Figure 7 shows an HVACR system according to an embodiment.Detailed Description

[0036] This disclosure is directed to evaporators and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems including evaporators having distribution structures for expanding working fluid and releasing into bundles within the evaporator.

[0037] Figure 1A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment. Evaporator 100 includes shell 102 and a bundle of tubes 104. Evaporator 100 further includesworking fluid inlet 106, subcooling heat exchanger 108, and distribution duct 110. Expanders 112 are provided on distribution duct 110.

[0038] Shell 102 is configured to define an interior space configured to contain the working fluid in evaporator 100. Tubes 104 extend through the interior space defined by shell 102. Tubes 104 are configured to convey a process fluid, such as water, glycol, mixtures thereof, and the like through the evaporator 100 such that the process fluid can exchange heat with the working fluid contained within shell 102.

[0039] Working fluid inlet 106 is configured to receive a flow of the working fluid. The working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 106 when said working fluid is in a two-phase state. In an embodiment, the working fluid is received at working fluid inlet 106 from a condenser included in the HVACR system that includes the evaporator 100.

[0040] Subcooling heat exchanger 108 is a heat exchanger disposed within shell 102. Subcooling heat exchanger is configured to receive the working fluid from inlet 106 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and the vapor being evaporated by heat exchange between working fluid in shell 102 and process fluid in tubes 104. The exchange of heat with the vapor can subcool the working fluid contained within subcooling heat exchanger 108 and demist the vapor.

[0041] Distribution duct 110 is configured to receive the working fluid following subcooling at subcooling heat exchanger 108. Distribution duct 110 is configured to extend axially through at least a portion of shell 102. Distribution duct 110 is configured to extend into the bundle of the tubes 104. Working fluid introduced into distribution duct 110 can spread along the axial length of the distribution duct 110 as the working fluid flows towards the one or more expanders 112. One or more expanders 112 can be provided on side or bottom walls of distribution duct 110. The expanders 112 can be configured to expand the working fluid as it is released from the distribution duct 110 into the interior space defined by shell 102. In an embodiment, the working fluid can be released from expanders 112 in proximity to the bundle of tubes 104. In an embodiment, the expanders 112 include at least one expansion orifice. In an embodiment, each of the expanders 112 is an expansion orifice. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders 112 are provided on the distribution duct 110. In an embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 112 can be selected to achieve desired flow rates of working fluid into the interiorspace defined by shell 102 under given operating conditions of the HVACR system including evaporator 100.

[0042] Figure IB shows a sectional perspective view of the evaporator of Figure 1A. As can be seen in Figure IB, distribution duct 110 extends axially within shell 102. Expanders 112 can be seen on a side wall of the distribution duct 110.

[0043] Figure 2A shows sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment. Evaporator 200 includes shell 202 and a bundle of tubes 204. Evaporator 200 further includes working fluid inlet 206, subcooling heat exchanger 208, and distribution tubes 210.

[0044] Shell 202 is configured to define an interior space configured to contain the working fluid in evaporator 200. Tubes 204 extend through the interior space defined by shell 202. Tubes 204 are configured to convey a process fluid, such as water, glycol, mixtures thereof, and the like through the evaporator 200 such that the process fluid can exchange heat with the working fluid contained within shell 202.

[0045] Working fluid inlet 206 is configured to receive a flow of the working fluid. The working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 206 when said working fluid is in a two-phase state. In an embodiment, the working fluid is received at working fluid inlet 206 from a condenser included in the HVACR system that includes the evaporator 200.

[0046] Subcooling heat exchanger 208 is a heat exchanger disposed within shell 202. Subcooling heat exchanger is configured to receive the working fluid from inlet 206 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and the vapor being evaporated by heat exchange between working fluid in shell 202 and process fluid in tubes 204. The exchange of heat with the vapor can subcool the working fluid contained within subcooling heat exchanger 208 and demist the vapor.

[0047] Distribution tubes 210 are one or more tubes extending from the subcooling heat exchanger 208 into the interior space defined by shell 202. The distribution tubes 210 can extend through the interior space defined by shell 202 in proximity to the bundle of tubes 204. At least some of the distribution tubes 210 can extend axially within the interior space defined by shell 202. Distribution tubes 210 are configured to convey subcooled working fluid from the subcooling heat exchanger 208 to positions within the interior space defined by shell 202 where the working fluid is to be introduced into the interior space defined by shell 202. The workingfluid can be introduced from the distribution tubes 210 into the interior space defined by shell 202 by one or more expanders 212, as shown in Figure 2B and described below.

[0048] Figure 2B shows a side view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 2A. In Figure 2B, the shell 202 is omitted such that the distribution tubes 210 can be seen extending in the bundle of tubes 204. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 2B, the distribution tubes 210 include two vertical tubes and two horizontal tubes, each of the two horizontal tubes extending between the two vertical tubes. In embodiment, the distribution tubes 210 can include one or more tubes in any suitable configuration where said one or more distribution tubes extend between at least some of the tubes 204 in the bundle contained within evaporator 200. The number, size, and configuration of the distribution tubes 210 can be selected to achieve desired flow characteristics for working fluid into the interior space defined by shell 202. As can be seen in the side view of Figure 2B, expanders 212 are provided on at least some of the distribution tubes 210. One or more expanders 212 can be provided on distribution tubes 210. In an embodiment, the expanders 212 include at least one expansion orifice. In an embodiment, each of the expanders 212 is an expansion orifice. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders 212 are provided on at least some of the distribution tubes 210. In an embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 212 can be selected to achieve desired flow rates of working fluid into the interior space defined by shell 202 under given operating conditions of the HVACR system including evaporator 200.

[0049] Figure 3A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment. Evaporator 300 includes shell 302 and a bundle of tubes 304. Evaporator 300 further includes working fluid inlet 306, subcooling heat exchanger 308, and distribution tubes 310. Expanders 312 are provided on the distribution tubes 310.

[0050] Shell 302 is configured to define an interior space configured to contain the working fluid in evaporator 300. Tubes 304 extend through the interior space defined by shell 302. Tubes 304 are configured to convey a process fluid, such as water, glycol, mixtures thereof, and the like through the evaporator 300 such that the process fluid can exchange heat with the working fluid contained within shell 302.

[0051] Working fluid inlet 306 is configured to receive a flow of the working fluid. The working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 306 when said working fluid is in a two-phase state. In an embodiment, the working fluid is received at working fluid inlet 306 from a condenser included in the HVACR system that includes the evaporator 300.

[0052] Subcooling heat exchanger 308 is a heat exchanger disposed within shell 302. Subcooling heat exchanger is configured to receive the working fluid from inlet 306 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and the vapor being evaporated by heat exchange between working fluid in shell 302 and process fluid in tubes 304. The exchange of heat with the vapor can subcool the working fluid contained within subcooling heat exchanger 308 and demist the vapor.

[0053] Distribution tubes 310 are one or more tubes each extending vertically downwards from the subcooling heat exchanger into the interior space defined by shell 302. The distribution tubes 310 can extend into the bundle of tubes 304. Any suitable number of distribution tubes 310 can be provided, with the five distribution tubes 310 shown in Figures 3A-3C being a non-limiting example of the number and arrangement of distribution tubes 310.

[0054] One or more expanders 312 can be provided on distribution tubes 310. In an embodiment, the expanders 312 include at least one expansion orifice. In an embodiment, each of the expanders 312 is an expansion orifice. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders 312 are provided on at least some of the distribution tubes 310. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders is distributed along the length of the respective distribution tube 310. In an embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 312 can be selected to achieve desired flow rates of working fluid into the interior space defined by shell 302 under given operating conditions of the HVACR system including evaporator 300.

[0055] Figure 3B shows side view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 3 A. In Figure 3B, the shell 302 is omitted such that the distribution tubes 310 can be seen extending into the bundle of tubes. The expanders 312 can be seen on the distribution tubes 310. Figure 3C shows a perspective view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 3 A. In Figure 3C, shell 302 is omitted. The extension of distribution tubes 310 the bundle of tubes 304 can be seen from the perspective of Figure 3C.

[0056] Figure 4A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment. Evaporator 400 includes shell 402 and a bundle of tubes 404. Evaporator 400 further includes working fluid inlet 406, subcooling heat exchanger 408, and distribution system 410. Distribution system 410 includes header inlet line 412, header 414, and distribution tubes 416. Expanders 418 can be provided on the distribution tubes 416.

[0057] Shell 402 is configured to define an interior space configured to contain the working fluid in evaporator 400. Tubes 404 extend through the interior space defined by shell 402. Tubes 404 are configured to convey a process fluid, such as water, glycol, mixtures thereof, and the like through the evaporator 400 such that the process fluid can exchange heat with the working fluid contained within shell 402.

[0058] Working fluid inlet 406 is configured to receive a flow of the working fluid. The working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 406 when said working fluid is in a two-phase state. In an embodiment, the working fluid is received at working fluid inlet 406 from a condenser included in the HVACR system that includes the evaporator 400.

[0059] Subcooling heat exchanger 408 is a heat exchanger disposed within shell 402. Subcooling heat exchanger is configured to receive the working fluid from inlet 406 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and the vapor being evaporated by heat exchange between working fluid in shell 402 and process fluid in tubes 404. The exchange of heat with the vapor can subcool the working fluid contained within subcooling heat exchanger 408 and demist the vapor.

[0060] Distribution system 410 is configured to introduce the working fluid from subcooling heat exchanger to the internal space defined by shell 402. Distribution system 410 includes a header inlet line 412, extending from subcooling heat exchanger 408 to a header 414. Header 414 is configured to receive the working fluid from header inlet line 412 and to distribute the working fluid to each of a plurality of distribution tubes 416. Distribution tubes 416 extend horizontally into the bundle of tubes 404 within the internal space defined by shell 402. In an embodiment, the header 414 and portions of the header inlet line 412 and distribution tubes 416 are disposed outside the shell 402, with the distribution tubes extending into the shell 402.

[0061] In an alternate embodiment, the header inlet line 412, header 414, and distribution tubes 416 can be disposed entirely within shell 402, instead of having portions extending outside or being disposed outside the shell 402.

[0062] In an alternate embodiment, header 414 can be omitted and a single distribution tube 416 can be used with each of one or more header inlet lines 412, with each header inlet line 412 instead connecting directly to the corresponding distribution tube 416.

[0063] Expanders 418 can be provided on the distribution tubes 416. In an embodiment, the expanders 418 include at least one expansion orifice. In an embodiment, each of the expanders418 is an expansion orifice. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders 418 are provided on at least some of the distribution tubes 416. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders is distributed along the length of the respective distribution tube 416. In an embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 418 can be selected to achieve desired flow rates of working fluid into the interior space defined by shell 402 under given operating conditions of the HVACR system including evaporator 400.

[0064] Figure 4B shows a side view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 4A. In the side view of Figure 4B, the shell 402 is omitted. The side view is from a side of the evaporator 400 where the header inlet line 412 and header 414 are on an opposite side of subcooling heat exchanger 408 from the viewer. In the perspective view of Figure 4B, the vertical position of the distribution tubes 416 being within the bundle of tubes 404 is visible.

[0065] Figure 4C shows a perspective view of the evaporator of Figure 4A. Figure 4C shows a perspective view from the side of evaporator where the header inlet 412 and header 414 are provided. As can be seen in Figure 4C, the header inlet 412 extends outwards from shell 402 and drops to meet header 414. Distribution tubes 416 extend from header 414 and enter shell 402 such that the distribution tubes 416 extend horizontally into the shell 402, within the bundle of tubes 404.

[0066] Figure 5A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment. Evaporator 500 includes shell 502 and a bundle of tubes 504. Evaporator 500 further includes working fluid inlet 506, subcooling heat exchanger 508, and distribution ducts 510. Expanders 512 are provided on distribution ducts 510.

[0067] Shell 502 is configured to define an interior space configured to contain the working fluid in evaporator 500. Tubes 504 extend through the interior space defined by shell 502. Tubes 504 are configured to convey a process fluid, such as water, glycol, mixtures thereof, and the like through the evaporator 500 such that the process fluid can exchange heat with the working fluid contained within shell 502.

[0068] Working fluid inlet 506 is configured to receive a flow of the working fluid. The working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 506 when said working fluid is in a two-phase state. In an embodiment, the working fluid is received at working fluid inlet 506 from a condenser included in the HVACR system that includes the evaporator 500.

[0069] Subcooling heat exchanger 508 is a heat exchanger disposed within shell 502. Subcooling heat exchanger is configured to receive the working fluid from inlet 506 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and the vapor being evaporated by heat exchange between working fluid in shell 502 and process fluid in tubes 504. The exchange of heat with the vapor can subcool the working fluid contained within subcooling heat exchanger 508 and demist the vapor.

[0070] Distribution ducts 510 are provided on either side of the bundle of tubes 504. The distribution ducts 510 extend axially within the internal space defined by shell 502. Each of the distribution ducts 510 are configured to receive the working fluid following subcooling at subcooling heat exchanger 508. Working fluid introduced into distribution ducts 510 can spread along the axial length of the distribution duct as the working fluid flows towards the one or more expanders 512. The expander(s) 512 can be configured to expand the working fluid as it is released from the respective distribution duct 510 into the interior space defined by shell 502. In an embodiment, the expanders 512 include at least one expansion orifice. In an embodiment, each of the expanders 512 is an expansion orifice. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders 512 are provided on each distribution duct 510. The one or more expanders 512 can be provided on side walls of the respective distribution ducts 510. In an embodiment, at least some of the expanders 512 are disposed on a side of the distribution duct 510 facing the tubes 504. In an embodiment, at least some of the expanders 512 are disposed on a side of the distribution duct 510 facing away from the tubes 504. In an embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 512 can be selected to achieve desired flow rates of working fluid into the interior space defined by shell 502 under given operating conditions of the HVACR system including evaporator 500.

[0071] Figure 5B shows a perspective view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 5A. In the perspective view of Figure 5B, the shell 502 is omitted. The distribution ducts 510 can be seen extending along the axial direction of evaporator 500. In an embodiment, the distribution ducts 510 extend a length of the evaporator 500 alongside the tubes 504.

[0072] Figure 6A shows a sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment. Evaporator 600 includes shell 602 and tubes 604. Evaporator 600 further includes working fluid inlet 606, header 608, heat exchangers 610, distributor 612 including one or more expanders 614, One or more flow regulating plates 616 can be included in evaporator 600.

[0073] Shell 602 is configured to define an interior space configured to contain the working fluid in evaporator 600. Tubes 604 extend through the interior space defined by shell 602. Tubes 604 are configured to convey a process fluid, such as water, glycol, mixtures thereof, and the like through the evaporator 600 such that the process fluid can exchange heat with the working fluid contained within shell 602. In an embodiment, tubes 604 towards the center of the bundle can carry a first pass of the process fluid through the evaporator 600, and tubes 604 towards either side of the bundle carry a second pass of the process fluid through the evaporator 600. In an embodiment, the flow regulating plates 616 can separate the tubes 604 carrying the first pass from the tubes 604 carrying the second pass.

[0074] Working fluid inlet 606 is configured to receive a flow of the working fluid. The working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 606 when said working fluid is in a two-phase state. In an embodiment, the working fluid is received at working fluid inlet 606 from a condenser included in the HVACR system that includes the evaporator 600.

[0075] Header 608 is configured to receive the flow of working fluid from working fluid inlet 606 and distribute the working fluid to each of the heat exchangers 610. Header 608 can include one or more connections to each of the heat exchangers 610 such that the working fluid can be supplied from header 608 to the respective heat exchanger 610.

[0076] Heat exchangers 610 are subcooling heat exchangers configured to receive the working fluid from header 608 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and the vapor being evaporated by heat exchange between working fluid in shell 602 and process fluid in tubes 604. The exchange of heat with the vapor can subcool the working fluid contained within the heat exchanger 610 and demist the vapor. Heat exchangers 610 can extend axially along the length of evaporator 600. In an embodiment, one or more of heat exchangers 610 is be angled such that a plane of the heat exchanger is in an angled orientation as opposed to extending vertically or horizontally. Heat exchangers 610 can be provided above the bundle of tubes 604. Heat exchangers 610 can be configured to provide the sub cooled working fluid to distributor 612.

[0077] Distributor 612 is configured to receive the subcooled working fluid from heat exchangers 610. The distributor 612 extends axially within the internal space defined by shell 602. Working fluid introduced into distributor 612 can spread along the axial length of the distribution duct as the working fluid flows towards the one or more expanders 614. Theexpander(s) 614 can be configured to expand the working fluid as it is released from the distributor 612 into the interior space defined by shell 602. In an embodiment, the expanders 614 include at least one expansion orifice. In an embodiment, each of the expanders 614 is an expansion orifice. In an embodiment, a plurality of expanders 614 are provided on the distributor 614.

[0078] Flow regulating plates 616 can be included in evaporator 600. Flow regulating plates 616 can extend through the bundle of tubes 604 to regulate and / or direct the flow of working fluid within the internal space defined by shell 602. Flow regulating plates 616 can have any suitable shape and orientation based on the desired flow rates and flow directions for working fluid within the evaporator 600. The flow regulating plates 616 can extend axially along a length of the evaporator 600. As a non-limiting example, the flow regulating plates 616 can be planar in shape, and oriented vertically as shown in Figure 6A. The flow regulating plates 616 can include one or more openings configured to allow some of the working fluid to pass through the flow regulating plate, as shown by the arrows provided in Figure 6A.

[0079] Figure 6B shows a perspective view of a portion of the evaporator of Figure 6A. In Figure 6B, the shell 602 is omitted. The heat exchangers 610 and the distributor 612 can be seen extending axially. Further, the connections of the heat exchangers 610 to distributor 612 and the connection of the header 608 to the heat exchangers 610 can be seen in the perspective view of Figure 6B. Additionally, the flow regulating plates 616 can also be seen extending in the axial direction in the perspective of Figure 6B. Figure 6C shows a sectional perspective view of the evaporator of Figure 6A. In the perspective view of Figure 6C, the shell 602 is shown, further illustrating the relative positioning of the shell 602, the bundle of tubes 604, and heat exchangers 610.

[0080] Figure 7 shows an HVACR system according to an embodiment. HVACR system 700 includes compressor 702, condenser 704, and evaporator 706. Evaporator 706 includes working fluid distributor 708 and expander 710. HVACR system 700 can optionally include a pump 712 and / or a secondary expander 714.

[0081] Compressor 702 is a compressor configured to compress a working fluid of the HVACR system 700. The compressor 702 can be any suitable type of compressor for compressing the working fluid.

[0082] Condenser 704 is a heat exchanger configured to receive working fluid from the compressor 702 and to allow the working fluid to be condensed by exchange of heat with a source, for example by rejecting heat to an ambient environment.

[0083] Evaporator 706 is an evaporator configured to allow evaporation of the working fluid by exchange of heat with a process fluid, such as water cooled by the HVACR system 700. In embodiments, evaporator 706 can be any of the evaporators 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 600 shown in Figures 1-6 and described above. The evaporator 706 can include a working fluid distributor 708 configured to receive and subcool the working fluid, and provide the working fluid to expander 710, which introduces the working fluid into a shell of the evaporator 706. Working fluid can be returned from evaporator 706 to the compressor 702.

[0084] Optional pump 712 can be included between the condenser 704 and expander 710. The optional pump can be included to support flow of the working fluid sufficient to achieve desired mass flow rates for working fluid through the HVACR system 700, when required by particular operating conditions of the HVACR system 700. The pump 712 can be selectively operated and / or controlled to achieve the desired mass flow rates for working fluid through the HVACR system 700, for example being activated when the mass flow rate falls below a desired level, or operated at a speed selected to achieve the desired mass flow rate.

[0085] Optional secondary expander 714 can be included between the condenser 704 and expander 710. Optional secondary expander 714 can provide another stage of expansion of the working fluid to regulate phase, pressure, and / or mass flow rate of the working fluid. Secondary expander 714 can be any suitable expander, such as an expansion orifice, expansion valve, or the like. In an embodiment, secondary expander 714 is a controllable expander, with a non-limiting example being an electronic expansion valve. In such an embodiment, the controllable expander is controlled to achieve desired phase, pressure, and / or mass flow rate of the working fluid during particular operating conditions of the HVACR system 700. In an embodiment, secondary expander 714 is a fixed expander, with a non-limiting example being an expansion orifice. In such an embodiment, the fixed expander is sized based on desired phase, pressure, and / or mass flow rate of the working fluid during particular operating conditions of the HVACR system 700.

[0086] Aspects:

[0087] It is understood that any of aspects 1-6 can be combined with any of aspects 7-14.

[0088] Aspect 1 . A heat exchanger for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising: a shell defining an internal space; one or more subcooling heat exchangers configured to receive a working fluid from an inlet; a distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooling heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and to release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; and a bundle of tubes extending though the internal space, the one or more tubes each configured to convey a process fluid.

[0089] Aspect 2. The heat exchanger according to aspect 1, wherein the distributor includes a distribution duct, the one or more expanders disposed on surfaces of the distribution duct.

[0090] Aspect 3. The heat exchanger according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the distributor includes distribution tubes, wherein at least some of the distribution tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

[0091] Aspect 4. The heat exchanger according to any of aspects 1-3, wherein the distributor includes a plurality of distribution tubes each extending vertically into the bundle.

[0092] Aspect 5. The heat exchanger according to any of aspects 1-4, wherein the distributor includes a first distribution duct on a first side of the bundle and a second distribution duct on a second side of the bundle, opposite the first.

[0093] Aspect 6. The heat exchanger according to any of aspects 1-5, wherein the distributor extends axially within the internal space and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the bundle.

[0094] Aspect 7. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising: a compressor; a first heat exchanger; and a second heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger comprising: a shell defining an internal space; one or more subcooling heat exchangers configured to receive a working fluid from an inlet;a distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooling heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and to release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; and a bundle of tubes extending though the internal space, the one or more tubes each configured to convey a process fluid.

[0095] Aspect 8. The HVACR system according to aspect 7, wherein the distributor includes a distribution duct, the one or more expanders disposed on surfaces of the distribution duct.

[0096] Aspect 9. The HVACR system according to aspect 7 or aspect 8, wherein the distributor includes distribution tubes, wherein at least some of the distribution tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

[0097] Aspect 10. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 7-9, wherein the distributor includes a plurality of distribution tubes each extending vertically into the bundle.

[0098] Aspect 11. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 7-10, wherein the distributor includes a first distribution duct on a first side of the bundle and a second distribution duct on a second side of the bundle, opposite the first.

[0099] Aspect 12. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 7-11, wherein the distributor extends axially within the internal space and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the bundle.

[0100] Aspect 13. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 7-12, further comprising a pump.

[0101] Aspect 14. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 7-13, further comprising a secondary expander, the secondary expander disposed between the condenser and the one or more expanders.

[0102] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heat exchanger for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising: a shell defining an internal space; one or more subcooling heat exchangers configured to receive a working fluid from an inlet; a distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooling heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and to release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; and a bundle of tubes extending though the internal space, the one or more tubes each configured to convey a process fluid.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the distributor includes a distribution duct, the one or more expanders disposed on surfaces of the distribution duct.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the distributor includes distribution tubes, wherein at least some of the distribution tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the distributor includes a plurality of distribution tubes each extending vertically into the bundle.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the distributor includes a first distribution duct on a first side of the bundle and a second distribution duct on a second side of the bundle, opposite the first.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the distributor extends axially within the internal space and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the bundle.

7. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising: a compressor;a first heat exchanger; and a second heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger comprising: a shell defining an internal space; one or more subcooling heat exchangers configured to receive a working fluid from an inlet; a distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooling heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and to release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; and a bundle of tubes extending though the internal space, the one or more tubes each configured to convey a process fluid.

8. The HVACR system of claim 7, wherein the distributor includes a distribution duct, the one or more expanders disposed on surfaces of the distribution duct.

9. The HVACR system of claim 7, wherein the distributor includes distribution tubes, wherein at least some of the distribution tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

10. The HVACR system of claim 7, wherein the distributor includes a plurality of distribution tubes each extending vertically into the bundle.

11. The HVACR system of claim 7, wherein the distributor includes a first distribution duct on a first side of the bundle and a second distribution duct on a second side of the bundle, opposite the first.

12. The HVACR system of claim 7, wherein the distributor extends axially within the internal space and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the bundle.

13. The HVACR system of claim 7, further comprising a pump.

14. The HVACR system of claim 7, further comprising a secondary expander, the secondary expander disposed between the condenser and the one or more expanders.

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